Many Indian students dream of studying in Germany not just for free or low-cost education, but also for the chance to earn while learning. The good news? Germany offers excellent part-time job opportunities for international students if you know the rules and how to find them. In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about student jobs in Germany, including legal working hours, types of jobs, hourly wages, and tips to land your first job quickly.
Legal Work Hours for Students in Germany
- As an international student with a student visa, you're allowed to work:
- 120 full days OR 240 half days in a year.
- You cannot work full-time during regular classes.
- You can work full-time during semester breaks.
- If you cross the limit, you need special permission from the local employment office (Agentur für Arbeit).
How Much Can You Earn? (2025 Pay Rates)
Best For: Students under 30 years or in undergraduate/standard Master’s programs
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Job Type
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Average Hourly Wage
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|---|---|
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Student Assistant (HiWi)
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€12 – €15/hour
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|
Café/Restaurant Staff
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€10 – €12/hour
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Retail Helper
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€11 – €13/hour
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Delivery/Logistics Jobs
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Delivery/Logistics Jobs
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Babysitting/Tutoring
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€15 – €20/hour
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- Average Monthly Income: €450 – €850 (₹40,000 – ₹75,000)
- Earnings under €538/month are tax-free as of 2025.
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Job Type
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Average Hourly Wage (€)
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Notes
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|---|---|---|
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Student Assistant (HiWi)
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€12 – €16
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Varies by university and qualification level.
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Café/Restaurant Staff
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€12.82 – €14
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Reflects the minimum wage; tips can significantly increase earnings.
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|
Retail Helper
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€13 – €15
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Often includes positions like cashiers and sales assistants.
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Delivery/Logistics Jobs
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€15 – €23
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Rates vary based on employer and experience.
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Babysitting/Tutoring
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€13 – €20/hour
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Higher rates for experienced individuals or specialized subjects.
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Earnings and Taxation
- Monthly Income: Students typically earn between €450 – €850 per month, depending on hours worked and job type.
- Tax-Free Threshold: As of 2025, earnings up to €556 per month are tax-free under the Mini-Job scheme.
- Minimum Wage: The statutory minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour. bakertilly.
Key Considerations
- Work Hour Limits: International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
- Language Requirements: Proficiency in German can enhance job prospects, especially in customer-facing roles.
- Job Availability: Larger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer more opportunities, but competition may be higher.
Types of Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Germany
- On-Campus Jobs
- Research or teaching assistant (HiWi)
- Library assistant
- Admin/IT support
- Off-Campus Jobs
- Supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe)
- Restaurants, cafés, delivery services (Lieferando)
- Warehouses/logistics (Amazon, DHL)
- Online Jobs
- Freelance writing or design
- Social media or digital marketing
- Coding or tutoring (Upwork, Preply)
Documents Required to Start Working
- Valid residence permit
- Student visa & university enrollment proof
- Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
- Health insurance certificate
- German bank account
Best Student Cities in Germany for Part-Time Jobs
- Berlin – Tech, media, delivery, language jobs
- Munich – High-paying retail & university jobs
- Frankfurt – Finance, airport, logistics
- Stuttgart – Engineering, automotive
- Cologne/Düsseldorf – Retail, events, restaurants
Tips to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany (Faster!)
- Register with your university’s career service center
- Use job portals: Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, Glassdoor.de
- Join student groups on Facebook & WhatsApp
- Print your resume in German & English
- Apply in person to cafes or shops near campus
- Knowing basic German (A1/A2) improves your chances by 50%!
Rules & Taxes to Remember
- Earnings under €538/month = tax-free
- If you earn above, you get a Tax ID and may need to file tax returns
- Don’t exceed 120 full days/year, or apply for approval
- Part-time work cannot affect your academic performance
How Abroad Study Rover Helps
- We don’t just help you reach Germany — we guide you after arrival too.
- Pre-arrival job tips
- Resume-building & job portal training
- Help applying for part-time jobs
- Basic German language tips
- Full post-arrival support
Frequently Asked Questions
Not completely — you still need proof of funds (Blocked Account). But it helps cover rent, food, and transport.
Not always. Campus and tech jobs can be in English, but for restaurants/shops, A1–A2 German helps a lot.
If you earn under €538/month, it’s tax-free. If you cross that, taxes will be deducted.
Final Words
- Part-time jobs in Germany not only help with finances but also give you work experience, confidence, and cultural exposure. With the right strategy and guidance, many Indian students start earning within their first few months.